About Us
The Hearing Voices Movement (HVM) originated in the 80s in the Netherlands and subsequently inspired voice hearers, peer workers and allies in the UK and other parts of Europe. Over the past two decades hearing voices networks and local groups have been developed around the world. InterVoice, based in the United Kingdom, currently serves as the international organizing network of the hearing voices movement.
The HVM strongly emphasizes the value of exploring the personal and cultural meaning of voices and related experiences. The HVM does not promote any one interpretation of voices and emphasizes the importance of self-determination.
One common misperception about the HVM, particularly in the US, is that the movement is "anti-psychiatry" or "anti-medication." In fact, the international movement brings together voice hearers, service users, family members and clinicians, including influential psychiatrists in Europe and the UK. In many parts of the world, mental health centers and outpatient clinics regularly refer clients to HVM groups (much like AA in the US) and collaborate with voice hearers and service users in order to promote shared goals of recovery, acceptance and community integration. At the same time, the HVM is a "critical" movement, invested in changing the conversation about voices, and challenging reductionist views and approaches.
The HVM strongly emphasizes the value of exploring the personal and cultural meaning of voices and related experiences. The HVM does not promote any one interpretation of voices and emphasizes the importance of self-determination.
One common misperception about the HVM, particularly in the US, is that the movement is "anti-psychiatry" or "anti-medication." In fact, the international movement brings together voice hearers, service users, family members and clinicians, including influential psychiatrists in Europe and the UK. In many parts of the world, mental health centers and outpatient clinics regularly refer clients to HVM groups (much like AA in the US) and collaborate with voice hearers and service users in order to promote shared goals of recovery, acceptance and community integration. At the same time, the HVM is a "critical" movement, invested in changing the conversation about voices, and challenging reductionist views and approaches.